Post navigation

Water Police Court 1886, Sydney

Water Police Court and Police Court, 1886, Sydney

The Water Police Court in Phillip Street Sydney ceased operating as a court in 1979. See location map below. The former courthouse is now the Justice and Police Museum. The sandstone building was designed by Edmund Blacket, and subsequently Alexander Dawson and James Barnett. It was completed in 1855.

The Water Police Court, Sydney, is a Court of summary jurisdiction constituted by a stipendary magistrate under sec. 44 (1) of the Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Act, as described by the High Court.1

Water Police Court and Police Station – patrolling streets and water

Matters before the Water Police Court were as much arising from events in the surrounding streets as with policing the surrounding waters. In one instance a stonemason was summoned to the Water Police Court in relation to blasting certain rock in Gipps Street, without having a written license from the City Surveyor.2 The case was adjourned pending a site visit.

In 1864 someone was fined for housing a seaman in Sussex Street without a license to do so, under the Water Police Regulations Act.3

Overcrowded vessels

In the summer of 1880 the master of the steamer Waratah was brought before the Water Police Court for allowing his vessel to be overcrowded on an excursion to Chowder Bay (Mosman) on Boxing Day. As the evidence was found to be conflicting, the Bench were divided in their opinion and unable to arrive at a decision.4

1881 – water shortages in Sydney and water inspectors

An instance of prosecution for wasting water was in the summer of 1881. At the Water Police Court, the water inspector proceeded against 15 persons for wasting water. One was a publican fined £5 and costs, the others costs were much less. The presiding magistrate decided that “in view of the magnitude of this kind of offence” that all cases brought before the court would inflict the highest penalties the law would allow.5

It will be well for the citizens to understand that the penalties for wasting water are very severe, and are being rigorously exacted. Turncocks are engaged night and day to discover instances of water being wasted, and when they are successful they at once take steps to prosecute the offending parties.6

Some early cases

A snapshot of cases dealt with by the Magistrates of the Water Police Court in one day in 1880 included:8

A woman throwing a stone to the danger of persons passing in Charlotte Place, fined 20 shillings or in default one week’s imprisonment.

A man fined for drunkenness and indecent language – 10s and 60s or four days or six weeks’ imprisonment.

Two men on board a ship were accused of desertion. For admitting it they were remanded in custody for one week.

Two young women, 21 and 22, were found guilty of being without visible lawful means of support, and sentenced to two months in gaol with hard labour.

A woman was fined the maximum penalty of £5 or two months’ imprisonment for an obscenity in Woolloomooloo Street.

For a similar offence in Bourke Street, an elderly man was fined 40s or one months’ gaol.

A woman 53 described as a common vagrant was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment.

WillsHub is an Australian law site seeking to draw together legal information, including recent case law, on the law on wills, deceased estates, intestacy, family provision and estate administration - collectively known as succession or inheritance law - from New South Wales and around Australia. Written by Bronwyn Stead, principal lawyer of BHS Legal, admitted to practise in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and in the High Court of Australia, member of the NSW Law Society and The Tax Institute, previously a medical research scientist, see About.

Important Notice

WillsHub is intended for general information and interest only on Australian succession and inheritance law. It is not legal advice nor should it be relied upon as such. Everyone's situation is unique, despite apparent similarities with others. Readers should seek their own professional advice specific to their circumstances and rely on that. Please read the Terms of Use.